2022 Beijing Olympics – Closing Ceremony – National Stadium, Beijing, China – February 20, 2022. General view of performers and athletes during the closing ceremony. REUTERS/David W CernyThe just-concluded Beijing Games saw athletes from 91 different National Olympic Committees (NOCs) compete, with 29 different countries taking home a medal.After the Games ended, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) praised the Beijing Games, and the sportsmanship and world-class performances of the athletes.“Beijing 2022 put athletes back at the forefront and allowed them to showcase their exceptional talents,” said ANOC president Robin Mitchell.“We must express our gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee for their tireless efforts in ensuring the Games could be held safely, and our athletes could be provided with the international platform they deserve.”2022 Beijing Olympics – Freestyle Skiing – Men’s Freeski – Halfpipe – Final – Genting Snow Park, Zhangjiakou, China – February 19, 2022. Gold medallist Nico Porteous of New Zealand celebrates with Miguel Porteous of New Zealand after his win. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYBeijing 2022 saw the Winter Olympic debuts of two countries, Haiti and Saudi Arabia, and a first ever Winter Olympic gold medal for New Zealand. In all 109 sets of medals were handed out over the past two-and-a-half weeks in Beijing.ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg also sang the praises of Beijing 2022. “We sincerely thank Beijing 2022 and the IOC for hosting a wonderful Winter Games. There were of course challenges as at any Games, but our hosts moved so quickly to solve them and the feedback we received from NOCs has been positive.”“The NOCs deserve special recognition for the fantastic job they have done in supporting their athletes before and during Beijing 2022. It has not been easy but they have demonstrated their resilience, adaptability and determination to serve their athletes.”
